Signs You Need a New Tennis Racquet
08/18/2022 - Sarah M. - Racquets & Paddles
Tennis racquets don't last forever. Using an old or broken tennis racquet restricts your gameplay on the court and might lead to arm issues. Why? Busted racquets will not perform as intended.
If your tennis game has been slightly off lately, or you think it's time for a tennis racquet upgrade, we're sharing some common red flags that let you know when it's time to buy a new tennis racquet. Read until the end to learn how you can avoid damage and keep your racquets for longer.
5 Reasons to Buy a New Tennis Racquet
1. Visible Cracks
All tennis racquets are sustainable to damage. They're made to withstand hours of play and general wear & tear, but if you see visible cracking on the frame, it's time for a replacement.
Cracked racquets can't perform as they should; in some severe cases, they can split in half. Also, beware of restringing a cracked racquet because they may not be able to sustain the tension.
2. Something Feels Off
There are many reasons why your tennis racquet doesn't feel right. For example, where you live can impact the lifespan of your tennis racquets. Did you know that racquets played in comfortable temperatures with low humidity usually last longer than racquets exposed to cold or humid environments?
You could also have grip damage, feel a lack of power coming from the racquet, or it could be vibrating every time you hit the ball - these are all more signs it's time for a replacement!
3. New Strings Don't Feel Good
Whenever you restring your tennis racquet, it should feel like new. Most players say it's always a great experience. If you don't notice a better feel or gameplay with new strings, it's probably a sign that your racquet is past its prime.
Tip: If you're a relatively new tennis player, please remember that a freshly restrung racquet will always feel slightly different. The trick is differentiating between a tennis string's stiffness and understanding the feeling of a broken racquet.
4. Your Racquet is Old
Consider an upgrade if you're playing with a racquet over 10 years old. No matter where you play or how often you use your racquet, 10 years is typically the cut-off age for all racquets. Technology is constantly evolving, and more modern racquets may be better for your gameplay. Of course, if you're an avid player, you'll have to replace your racquet more often.
You don't necessarily have to buy a brand new racquet either. Plenty of good-quality used tennis racquets have minimal wear and perform just as well as new racquets.
5. Damaged Grommets
Grommets are small plastic pieces at the mouth of the string hole that prevents the strings from chafing against the racquet frame. If you have one or two broken grommets, you can easily replace them, but if most of them are damaged, it's probably best to invest in a new tennis racquet.
It can also be hard to find the proper grommets for your specific racquet if it's an older model.
Shop for Tennis Racquets Online
No tennis player wants to hear it's time to toss your favorite racquet. However, a new racquet is sometimes best for your physical health and game.
Check out our entire collection of tennis racquets. Not sure what racquet is best? Start with our Tennis Racquet Buying Guide to learn more.
How to Avoid Broken Racquets
You can do a few things to help prolong your tennis gear's lifespan. Here are a few tips & tricks to avoid playing with a broken tennis racquet.
• Take proper care of your tennis racquets. Don't throw them down on the court (even when you're angry).
• Store your tennis racquets in a safe, portable bag. You can see some of our favorite tennis racquet bags here.
• Always inspect your frames for fractures or cracks. Hairline fractures can go unnoticed until it's too late.
• Don't string the racquet yourself (unless you're a professional). If you're unfamiliar with stringing a tennis racquet, you risk damaging the strings and the racquet's structure. The easiest way to have your racquet restrung is to go to a professional.
• Never put anything heavy on top of your tennis racquet when you're using it or storing it.
• Try to keep your tennis racquet away from direct sunlight or heat when you're not playing. For example, don't leave your racquet in a hot car. Heat can loosen the strings.
• Extreme cold temperatures are also a no-no. The cold can also damage strings, making them inflexible and more prone to breakage.
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